West Pokot KNUT boss urges state to beef up security during exams

West Pokot KNUT secretary Martin Sembelo has urged the government to beef up security in schools along the Pokot, Turkana, Marakwet borders during the national exams

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has called on the government to beef up security in schools along the West Pokot, Turkana and Elgeyo Marakwet borders as national exams commence.

West Pokot County KNUT Secretary Mr. Martin Sembelo has expressed concerns over the recent spate of killings along the West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet border.

Speaking to the press in Kapenguria, Mr. Sembelo said teachers needed their security guaranteed in order to invigilate and supervise the examinations while students need the same for them to sit for the exams with confidence.

“Schools along the volatile borders between West Pokot, Turkana, and Elgeyo Marakwet Counties need more security especially during these national examinations since there has been a surge in attacks by armed bandits with children noted as the most targeted in recent times,” he said.

He mentioned schools in Kamelei, Turkwel, Chepkokoh, Kamelei, Tapach, Chesegon and Cheptulel areas which have been affected. The KCSE practical tests have started today, with the theory papers beginning on November 5th, while KCPE will commence next week.

Kapenguria MP Samuel Moroto also lamented that the government hadn’t shown enough commitment to end the perennial conflicts between the Marakwet and Pokot communities, who’ve been clashing over resources and urged the authorities to intervene and calm the situation. He said he’ll work to ensure a lasting solution is found to end the perennial wrangles.

However, West Pokot County Commissioner Apollo Okello confirmed that security has been beefed up in all schools along the border to enable the students to sit for their exams in a conducive environment.